Posts: 12

Topic: Treatment Cycles

Is chemo given weekly or once every two weeks? What is the "standard" for chemo or at least some examples. I want to visit and it will probably be during my dad's chemo. I don't want him to be miserable.

Re: Treatment Cycles

It totally depends on which "cocktail" of chemo you are given. The only one I know about, Gemcitibine/Cisplatin, is usually a three-week cycle, two weeks on and then a week off. Others (xeloda, 5-FU, other platimun drugs) are once every three weeks or every other week, or for sequential days etc. Just depends. Right now I am on gen/Cis every three weeks, with two weeks off. What chemo is your Dad on?

Re: Treatment Cycles

Hi Crissie. You may have heard some very frightening things about chemo but so much depends on the type of chemo, the physical condition of the person receiving it, and many other factors. My husband was on a very tough chemo regimen but went several months before having any significant side effects. Once the side effects appeared, things were more difficult for him but he was still able to work and enjoy himself much of the time. Later the doctor changed his dosage and he is now feeling quite well. Some people experience side effects shortly after having chemo, some a few days later, and some not at all. Like everything else relating to this cancer, it is different for each person.

Re: Treatment Cycles

Hi Crissie,

My daughter, Lauren, has been on many different chemos and they were all every 2 or 3 weeks, never every week. I think some people do get it weekly, but I think they would need a rest week in there. Lauren was never totally incapacitated while on chemo. Certain ones would make her very tired for a few days, but she would bounce back. She is in her 20's, so that might have something to do with it. Every chemo affects each person differently, so there really is no way to know how your dad will feel. I'm sure he will be happy to see you whether he feels good or not. Prayers for you and your family.

-Pam

My beautiful daughter, Lauren Patrice, will live on in my heart forever.

My comments, suggestions, and opinions are based on my experience as a caretaker for my daughter, Lauren and from reading anything I can get my hands on about Cholangiocarcinoma. Please consult a physician for professional guidance.

Re: Treatment Cycles

Hi Crissie,

I agree with everyone's responses that each case and each person response differently with each kind of treatment. My mom who is 72 has been on weekly Chemo, and she has been on Gemzar alone. I also think that the age, the condition you are in and the stage of CC may have impact on side effects too. My mom gets a week break between 3 or 4 treatments but she has been on weekly treament. I hope that you dad's chemo goes well...

Re: Treatment Cycles

Crissie:There is no expiration date the doctors can see. They are going on statistics. One year ago I was told I should be very sick and to put my affairs in order. I still feel fine a year after I was told that. I refuse to believe them! A positive attitude is the most important thing. And being proactive.

KrisJ"Don't just have minutes in the day; have moments in time."Any opinions I give are based on personal experiences, and are not based on medical knowledge. I strongly suggest receiving medical care and opinions.

Re: Treatment Cycles

Crissie....when our defensive mechanism kicks in, being mad as heck is quite alright. Keep fighting dear, Crissie. I am wondering, is it gallbladder cancer or cholangiocarcinoma? The reason I am asking, there are two different diseases with similar treatment options. Hang in there,Hugs,Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Re: Treatment Cycles

Re: Treatment Cycles

Crissie,

Your emotions (and your Dads) will run the gamut! It DOES seem so cruel and unfair to get this unpredictable disease! Who will be your Dads primary caregiver? I would recommend spending as much time as possible with him, whether he's sick or feeling good. Your husband and friends will step up if you need them to. It's worth it. I've been cari g for my elderly Dad (who passed last week from Alzheimer's ) and many of my 5 my sibs put off coming to see him. I cut back on my job, often had to leave my girls and enlisted support from friends and of course my husband so I could care for Dad. I don't regret it ( though everybody sacrificed). It's my sister who has CC and now that our Dad has passed, I'm hoping to get to spend more time with her and her family. She lives 2 hours away. Initially, its helpful for a family member to attend dr appts to take notes and help your dad remember which questions to ask. Also, not sure who your Dad will select to manage but be sure your dad has a power of attorney (both financial and medical), a trust or will and a medical directive (advance directive to physicians or a POLST) set up. If you cant get away, calls, cards and and email him often to simply let him know you are thinking of him. As Lainey often says " once a treatment an is established , fright turns to fight"!

The information expressed is not medical advice. The discussion boards are not intended to replace the services of a trained health professional or to be a substitute for the medical advice of physicians or other healthcare providers. Read the full disclaimer.